Thyroid disorders are becoming prevalent in the Philippines according to a panel of medical experts. Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus Jr., president of the Philippine Thyroid Association, said that common thyroid diseases, which mostly affect women, have been on the rise since 1993.
“In fact, Filipinos are afflicted with goiter more than diabetes. 9 out of 100 Filipinos have it.
While three other known thyroid disorders such as Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism and Thyroid Cancer affect a significant number, around four to six in 1000,” he said during the virtual press conference titled “Thyroid Care: Walking the Healthy Path.”
The thyroid gland is a small but powerful organ that plays an important role in bodily processes. It basically produces two important hormones, T3 and T4 that regulate vital bodily functions in coordination with other organs.
In the same event organized by leading global pharmaceutical company Merck, Dr. Adrian Fernando, head of the Head & Neck Unit of the Benavides Cancer Institute in University of Santo Tomas Hospital, said the rise in thyroid cancer cases is mainly attributed to genetics, unhealthy lifestyle, and advancements in disease detection.
He claimed Filipinos are predisposed to thyroid cancer due to our genetic make-up.
“Genetics play an important role in thyroid cancer development. As Filipinos, we need to increase public awareness, invest in an improved cancer registry, and adopt our own management guidelines.”
The good news is most thyroid disorders are treatable especially if detected early. Among the most common preventive measures are routinely head and neck examination and ultrasound of the thyroid. It detects early on lumps and nodules that can lead to cancer.
Another important intervention is to conduct a blood test specifically to detect abnormal amounts of T4 and T3 hormones.
Merck has been doing its lion share of treating and preventing thyroid disorders worldwide by coming up with fact-based, scientific education programs and media forums, while constantly improving their medicines and drugs.
“We see to it that our research and development is well funded and clinically capable of producing the best medicines and treatments for thyroid problems,” said Henry Wilson, president and managing director of Healthcare of Merck in the Philippines.
Nicodemus advised the public to live a healthy lifestyle, make sure to have an ideal intake of iodine through seafoods and dairy products and limit exposure to radiation. Iodine is a main component in producing thyroid hormones.
For his part, Dr. Raymond Tapang, medical director of Merck, said media symposiums like this aim to dispense medically sound treatment and solutions to best manage thyroid-related medical conditions.
Merck has come up with a Facebook page called “Unmasking Your Thyroid” to inform the public about proper thyroid healthcare.
While there are other good resource websites for thyroid care, Wilson said the best option if one feels there is something wrong with thyroid is to seek professional, medical advice immediately.
